Cathedral Catholic High School basketball standout Brandon McCoy ’17 announced his commitment to compete at the University of Nevada Las Vegas next college season, ending the anticipation of not only the CCHS community, but also the whole nation.

“I’m blessed and truly thankful to say I’ve committed to UNLV!” McCoy wrote in a Twitter post, which erupted overnight with almost 3,000 combined retweets and likes.

Known for his giant size, basketball ability, and his friendliness in the school hallways, McCoy is a five-star recruit currently ranked 11th in the nation by Rivals, a college recruiting publication. McCoy, who competed in the McDonald’s All-American game last month at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, played for USA basketball’s U18 national team and scored 34 points for Team Loyalty in the Allen Iverson Roundball Classic.

McCoy averaged 28.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 5.3 blocks per game last year playing for CCHS.

This success led him to become a five-star college basketball prospect with top-ranked colleges across the nation, including Michigan State and the University of Oregon, offering him college scholarships.

In the end, McCoy chose to attend UNLV.

“When I first visited UNLV, it was a great campus and the coaching staff made me feel right at home,” McCoy said. “I felt comfortable there and it did feel like home because many people were from my hometown.”

UNLV men’s basketball program historically has been an all-around great program, winning the NCAA Tournament in 1990 under the direction of legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian. The Running Rebels (11-21, 4-14) finished in last place this year in the Mountain West Conference.

“Brandon has the most notoriety of all the guys that we’ve added to the roster and deservedly so,” UNLV Head Coach Marvin Menzies said at a recent press conference announcing McCoy’s signing. “He is already recognized on the national scene as one of the best high school players in the country. The thing that impresses me most about Brandon is his desire to improve and continue to trust the process.

“He took his time to thoroughly analyze his college decision, and fortunately his final decision has him wearing the scarlet and gray for his college career.”

McCoy takes the opportunity with pride, wanting to do his best for UNLV and everyone who has helped him along the way.

“There are a lot of things to do in Las Vegas, but I am going to take it one step at a time,” McCoy said. “I am going to be in the gym everyday to make the team better than it was last year.”

The now Don future Rebel continues to thank his mother and the CCHS community for the support and opportunities he received in order to fulfill his dream of playing on the collegiate level. McCoy also gives thanks to God because he does not believe he should have made it this far.

McCoy is receiving love and support with his decision, but also faces a lot of negativity coming from people who think he should have chosen a better basketball and academic program.

“Many people say I should have committed somewhere else, but I have never taken the safe route before,” McCoy said “So, why should I take the safe route now?” 

McCoy faces a journey ahead of him and takes advantage of everything he has learned to use in the future. He plans on bringing the Don mentality to the Rebels.

“They are both known for winning, going against the grain and being the best,” McCoy said. “I am going to bring all that, so get ready.”